Burkina Faso entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burkina Faso. No need to apply before you travel — just show up at Ouagadougou Airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Kenyan citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Ouagadougou Airport upon arrival. Have 2 passport photos and cash (CFA francs or euros) ready — the fee is around 50,000 CFA (~$85 USD). The process takes 15–30 minutes at the visa counter before immigration.Check visa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Kenyan passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Burkina Faso. Airlines at JKIA will check this before letting you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Burkina Faso | Immigration officers at Ouagadougou Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but having a printed booking avoids delays at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least 200,000 CFA (~$330 USD) in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Officers may ask at the visa counter, especially if you're staying more than a week. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the airport
There is no ATM or currency exchange before immigration at Ouagadougou Airport. Bring enough CFA francs or euros to cover the visa fee. You can exchange money after passing through customs.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will be asked to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (which costs time and money).
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Ouagadougou Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control. Join the queue and wait your turn.
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, return ticket (show on phone or paper), and photos if asked. Pay the visa fee in cash (CFA or euros). The officer will process your visa — this usually takes 5–15 minutes.
3
Receive visa and enter
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Proceed to passport control, get stamped, and collect your luggage. Welcome to Burkina Faso.
Download Burkina Faso Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa on arrival available)
Visa on arrival is free for Kenya passport holders; no need to apply in advance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (visa on arrival available)
Multiple entries allowed under visa on arrival; no additional fee.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Burkina Faso. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)No fee required for visa on arrival for stays up to 90 days. | Free (for Kenya passport holders) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are applied at immigration upon departure. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Burkina Faso
No transit visa needed
Kenya passport holders transiting through Burkina Faso do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsOuagadougou Airport (OUA) · Bobo-Dioulasso Airport (BOY)
Health & vaccines for Burkina Faso
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from endemic countries; Kenya is endemic, so certificate is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide; use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylaxis like doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ouagadougou
Direction Générale de l'Immigration
Avenue de la Nation, Ouagadougou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Bobo-Dioulasso
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Rue de la République, Bobo-Dioulasso
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Regional office for visa-related issues in the second-largest city.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalOuagadougou
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 574.19 XOF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with a hole for the male grounding pin)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is typically 50,000–70,000 CFA francs (about €75–€105). It can vary slightly depending on your nationality and the officer's discretion. Pay in cash — CFA is preferred, but euros are usually accepted. US dollars are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. The exact duration is decided by the immigration officer at the airport. Make sure to check the stamp before leaving the counter.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at most land border crossings, but it's less predictable. The process may take longer, and not all officers are familiar with it. For a smoother experience, fly into Ouagadougou.
No, Burkina Faso does not offer an e-visa for Kenyan passport holders. The visa on arrival is the only option for tourism or short visits.
Your passport (6+ months validity), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation (hotel booking). The officer may also ask for your yellow fever certificate. Have everything ready to speed things up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.